The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Transcript of The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
![Page 1: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV
Gillian Lieberman, MD
The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Lynn Ramirez-AvilaHarvard Medical School Year IV
Gillian Lieberman, MD
September 2003
![Page 2: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
2
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Baby R
• Former 28.5 weeker with episodes of respiratory distress in the first days of life
• On day of life 8 Baby R started full feeds
• On day of life 8 Baby R developed marked abdominal distension & guaiac positive stools
![Page 3: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Objectives
• Overview of necrotizing enterocolitis
• Overview of common radiologic findings in nectrotizing enterocolitis
• Review the future role of imaging modalities in diagnosing necrotizing enterocolitis
![Page 4: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
4
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
• Is the necrosis of the mucosa or submucosa of any portion of the GI tract
• Affects predominantly preterm & low birth weight infants
• Other risk factors include:– Compromise of mucosal integrity & bowel integrity– Compromised mesenteric blood supply– Changes in bowel lumen
![Page 5: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
5
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Pathophysiology• Multifactorial process that usually affects terminal ileum
and right colon
• Exact pathophysiologic mechanism is not known, but it is thought that:
• Bacterial colonization• Intestinal hypoxia • Formula feeding
Activation of proinflammatory
mediators & subsequently bowel
necrosis
![Page 6: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
6
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Arterial Supply of the ColonSuperior Mesenteric Artery
Ileocolic, Right colic, Superior Mesenteric Arteries
Norman W, http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wnor/smlintestinebloodsupply.jpg
Terminal Ileum, Cecum, Right Colon
Venous Tributaries
Superior Mesenteric Vein
Hepatic Portal Vein
![Page 7: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
7
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Clinical Presentation
• Usually occurs in days 3-10 of life
• Systemic symptoms include:– Apnea, bradycardia, temperature instability, lethargy,
poor feeding
• Gastrointestinal symptoms include: – Diarrhea, abdominal distention, gastric retention,
gasterointestinal bleeding
![Page 8: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
8
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
BELL CriteriaStage Clinical Signs
I (Suspected) Abdominal distension, poor feeding, vomiting
II (Definite) Abdominal distension, poor feeding, vomiting, GI bleeding
III (Advanced) Abdominal distension, poor feeding, vomiting, GI bleeding &
septic shock
Summarized from Rencken et al, 1997
![Page 9: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
9
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Imaging Modalities• Radiologic imaging is key to diagnosis and
monitoring
• If NEC is suspected, abdominal films are obtained every 12-24 hours
• Supine abdominal, cross table lateral view, or left-side-down decubitus are standard
![Page 10: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
10
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Plain films and Bell CriteriaStage Clinical
SignsRadiologic Findings
I (Suspected) Abdominal distension, poor feeding, vomiting
Ileus
II (Definite) Abdominal distension, poor feeding, vomiting, GI bleeding
Intestinal pneumatosis & portal venous air
III (Advanced) Abdominal distension, poor feeding, vomiting, GI bleeding & septic shock
Ileus, intestinal pneumatosis, portal venous air,
pneumoperitoneum
Summarized from Rencken et al, 1997
![Page 11: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
11
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Normal Neonatal Abdominal Radiograph
• Liver is prominent in pediatric abdominal films
• Difficult to discern the small from large intestine
• Bowel gas pattern bordering the liver is likely to be the transverse colon
• Bowel gas pattern in the lower pelvic region likely to be the rectum
Courtesy Dr. W. Durgin, BIDMC
![Page 12: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
12
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Radiography & Stage I NEC
• Nonspecific radiographic findings:
– Diffuse gaseous distension of intestine
– Loss of normal bowel gas pattern symmetry
![Page 13: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
13
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Bowel Distension
From Buonomo, C. 1999. Imaging of neonatal gastrointestinal obstruction. Rad Clin North America, 37(6): 1187-98.
• Occurs in the small intestine, colon, or both
• Distension of the small intestine often occurs 4-48 hours before the onset of clinical signs
• Distension of large colon occurs in 30% of NEC patients
• This is a relatively non-specific sign
![Page 14: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
14
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Bowel Distension Radiographic Differential
– Meconium Ileus
– Total Colonic Anganlionosis
– Mid-gut volvulus
– Gastroenteritis, peritonitis, sepsis
![Page 15: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
15
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Abnormal Gas Distribution
From Buonomo, C. 1999. Imaging of neonatal gastrointestinal obstruction. Rad Clin North America, 37(6): 1187-98.
![Page 16: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
16
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Radiology & Stage II NEC
• Pneumatosis intestinalis is essentially pathognomonic for NEC
• Portal venous gas is correlated with worse prognosis
![Page 17: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
17
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Pneumatosis Intestinalis
Courtesy of Dr. Makris, Children’s Hospital Boston
• Intramural Air
• Focal versus diffuse
• Air can be located in the
- Submucosa
Bubbly/cystic
- Subserosa
Linear/curvilinear
![Page 18: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
18
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Pneumatosis Intestinalis (continued)
Courtesy of Dr. Makris, Children’s Hospital Boston
Radiographic Differential
•In combination with dilated bowel indicative of NEC
•Feces
•Milk impaction secondary to onset of feeding
•Benign pneumatosis from extension from air in the mediastinum
•Congenital obstruction (atresias, imperforate anus, meconium plug, etc.
•Hirschsprung’s
![Page 19: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
19
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Portal Venous Gas (PVG)
• Associated with severe NEC and babies with PVG have worst outcomes
• Visualized better on cross table lateral view
• On ultrasound PVG is seen as moving echogenicity in portal vein
Courtesy Dr. W. Durgin, BIDMC
![Page 20: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
20
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
PVG (continued)
http://www.hawaii.edu/medicine/pediatrics/neoxray/neoxray.html
Radiographic Differential
•Iatrogenic via umbilical vein catheters
•Air in biliary tree secondary to duodenal atresia with incompetent Sphincter of Oddi
![Page 21: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
21
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Radiology & Stage III NEC• Persistent (sentinel) loop sign
• Asymmetric bowel dilatation
• Ascites
• Pneumoperitoneum
![Page 22: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
22
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Persistent Loop Sign (Sentinel Loop)
• Is the persistence of a dilated loop of bowel on subsequent radiographs for 24 to 36 hours
From Buonomo, C. 1999. Imaging of neonatal gastrointestinal obstruction. Rad Clin North America, 37(6): 1187-98
Radiographic Differential
•Appendicitis
•Paralytic Ileus
•Pancreatitis
•Drug-induced
![Page 23: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
23
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Pneumoperitoneum
http://bms.brown.edu/pedisurg/Brown/Image%20bank%20pages/NEC.html
Radiographic Differential
•Idiopathic perforation
•Focal intestinal perforation
•Intestinal obstruction
•Iatrogenic (puncture with nasogastric tube)
![Page 24: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
24
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Baby R
• Baby gram radiographic findings:
- Distended bowel loops
-Pneumatosis intestinalis
- Free Air under the left diaphragm
Courtesy of Dr. Makris, Children’s Hospital Boston
![Page 25: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
25
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Treatment of NEC• Clinical Management
– Discontinue feeds– IV fluids– Gastric decompression via NG tube– Total parenteral nutrition– Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Surgical Management– Indications include pneumoperitoneum, sentinel loops,
ascites, or worsening clinical picture
– Resection of the necrotic bowel, proximal enterostomy, with subsequent reanastomosis at a later time
![Page 26: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
26
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Outcome of Baby R
•Underwent exploratory laparotomy
•Subsequently had right hemicolectomy with ileocecal valve resection
• Follow-up radiograph is shown
Courtesy of Dr. Makris, Children’s Hospital Boston
![Page 27: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
27
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Chronic Complications of NEC
• Usually occurs a few weeks after acute disease
• Radiographic follow-up conducted for 2 years
• Course can be complicated by NEC strictures, bowel obstruction, enterenterofistulae, enterocysts
![Page 28: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
28
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Post-NEC Stricture•Single or multiple strictures occur
•Commonly occur in the left colon
• Spontaneous resolution of NEC strictures occurs
• Routine barium enemas are performed in children who undergo surgery, but not in children who have had medical management of NEC
![Page 29: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
29
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
NEC Strictures
From Buonomo, C. 1999. Imaging of neonatal gastrointestinal obstruction. Rad Clin North America, 37(6): 1187-98
From Rabinowitz, JG. “Radiographic Manifestations” in Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Brown EG, Sweet AY eds. 1980
![Page 30: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
30
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
NEC & other Imaging Modalities• Abdominal plain radiographs are
nonspecific in the early and late stages of NEC
• The use of computed tomography in NEC diagnosis has been explored
• Use of MRI in NEC diagnosis is under study
![Page 31: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
31
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
NEC & CT
• The permeation of contrast administered into ischemic bowel has been reported in animal models of NEC
• The contrast is resorbed from the peritoneum & is excreted into the urinary system
![Page 32: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
32
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
NEC & CT (continued)• Study included babies with NEC and controls (n=22) who were orally
given non-ionic contrast
• After contrast administration, they collected the urine of babies with NEC and controls and CT the urine
• They found that after contrast, the urine of babies with suspected and definite NEC have higher Hounsfield Units than controls
ControlUrine
Urine of babies who underwent other GI
study
Urine of babies with suspected NEC
Urine of babies with definite NEC
5.6 HU +/- 3.9 6.7 HU +/- 3.2 26.0 HU +/- 3.4 71.0 HU +/- 18.8
summarized from Rencken et al, 1997
![Page 33: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
33
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
NEC & MRI• Maalouf et al report MRI findings of NEC amongst a
group of low birth weight and preterm infants and their controls
• They conclude that the following characteristics were associated with severe forms of NEC: – Fluid levels within lumen– Intramural gas– Bubble-like appearance in bowel wall
• Bowel areas with a bubble-like appearance corresponded to areas of bowel that were surgically resected
![Page 34: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
34
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
NEC & MRI
From Maalouf: Pediatrics, Volume 105(3).March 2000.510-514
Bubble-like Appearance Air-fluid levels
Intramural Air
![Page 35: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
35
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
NEC & Ultrasound
From Kodroff et al, 1984
Pseudo-kidney sign
• Non-specific sign seen in any process where blood, pus, fluid, tumor invades bowel wall
• Necrotic bowel cannot be distinguished from inflammatory bowel disease
•Given, demographics of preterm population, this sign is most consistent with NEC
![Page 36: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
36
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Portal Venous Gas & Ultrasound
Right Upper Quadrant
U/SLiver Ultrasound of Neonate with NEC
From Merrit et al, 1984
Echogenicities in liver parenchyma
Microbubble in portal veinNormal Ultrasound
![Page 37: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
37
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Conclusion• The incidence of NEC is increasing secondary to
increased survival of low-birth weight and pre- term infants
• Diagnostic imaging, specifically plain films are important in the diagnosis, progression, and follow-up of NEC
• But, secondary to the sensitivity of current abdominal plain films, the use of CT, MRI, and U/S could provide a more sensitive and specific imaging alternative
![Page 38: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
38
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
References• Brown University Department of Pediatric Surgery http://bms.brown.edu/pedisurg/Brown/Image%20bank%20pages/NEC.html
• Buonomo C (1999). The Radiology of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonatal Imaging Rad Clin North America 37: 1999.
• Caplan MS, Jilling T (2001). New Concepts in necrotizing enterocolitis. Curr Opin Ped 13: 111.
• Kodroff MB, Hartenberg, MA, Goldschmidt RA (1984). Ultrasonographic diagnosis of gangrenous bowel in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. Ped Rad 14: 168.
• Fotter R, Sorantin (1994). Diagnostic imaging in necrotizing enterocolitis. Acta Paed Supp 398: 41.
• Kodroff MB, Hartenberg, MA, Goldschmidt RA (1984). Ultrasonographic diagnosis of gangrenous bowel in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. Pediatr Radiol 14: 168.
• Merritt CRB, Goldsmith JP, Sharp MJ. (1984) Sonographic Detection of Portal Venous Gas in Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis. AJR 143: 1059.
• Maalouf EF, Fagbemi A, Duggan PJ, Jayanthi S, Counsell SJ, Lewis HJ, Fletcher AM, Lakhoo K, Edwards AD. (2000) Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intestinal Necrosis in Preterm Infants. Pediatrics 105: 510.
• Norman, W. Superior Mesenteric Artery Ilustration available [Online] http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wnor/smlintestinebloodsupply.jpg. September 10, 2003.
• Rabinowitz, JG. (1980). Radiographic Manifestations in Monographs in Neonatology: Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis Brown EG, Sweet AY (eds). New York: Grune and Stratton.
• Reeder MM, WG Bradley (2001). Reeder and Felson’s Gamuts in Radiology: Comprehensive List of Roentgen Differential Diagnosis. New York: Springer Verlag Publishing.
• Renken IO, Sola A, Al-Ali F, Solano JP, Goldbergt HI, Cohen PA, Gooding CA. (1997). Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Diagnosis with CT Examination of Urine after Enteral Administration of Iodinated Water-soluble Contrast Material. Ped Radiology 205: 87.
• Schanler RJ. (2003). Up to Date: Clinical features and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns available [Online] www.uptodate.com September 10, 2003.
• Wood BP. (2002). E medicine: Necrotizing Enterocolitis available [Online]: http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic469.htm.
![Page 39: The Radiologic Manifestations of Necrotizing Enterocolitis](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022052302/5868dd461a28aba47b8b7003/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
39
Lynn Ramirez-Avila, HMS IV Gillian Lieberman, MD
Acknowledgements
• Dr. J. Makris, Children’s Hospital Boston• Dr. W. Durgin, BIDMC• Dr. G. Lieberman, BIDMC• Pamela Lepkowski• Larry Barbaras, BIDMC Webmaster